Tried and tested: Cooling eye care

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Eye health: The condition can be caused by air-conditioning and looking at a computer screen

They also found 40 per cent of us have no idea how to manage it.

But if it’s not treated, or does not respond to therapy, it can lead to blindness.

While it can’t be cured, you can control the symptoms and prevent permanent scarring of the eyelid margins, according to the NHS.

Francesca Marchetti, leading ocular expert and a member of the WINK advisory eye-care panel, said: “Given how many people are affected by blepharitis, and the implications for vision if it is not managed effectively, these findings are extremely worrying.

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Heat therapy: A warm cloth can help relieve symptoms

“The first line treatment for blepharitis is using a combination of heat therapy, eye massage and good eyelid hygiene every day, this will manage the condition and in many cases will prevent further flare-ups.”

A combination of cleansing the eyelids with special wipes and heat therapy can help.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises: “Eyelid hygiene is essential and this should be continued even when symptoms are well controlled.”

They suggest applying a warm wipe to the closed eyelids for 5 to 10 minutes to loosen the debris and softens any deposits of meibum, an oily substance which protects the tear film but can problematic if the meibomian glands are blocked, or the meibum is too waxy.

Marchetti added: “To have a therapeutic benefit, the heated compress must be a consistent 40 to 45°C, and remain at that temperature for at least five minutes. But if it is any higher, or there are more intense hot-spots, there is a very real risk of burning or damaging the sensitive tissues around the eye.”